Weekly chat 31 March to 6 April - 'possibility in every direction' 🫖🍪🏃‍➡️

[linda9389]

Hello lovely running friends. How are you doing?

I'm just back from a short trip to Gibraltar where I noticed the buses carry the slogan 'possibility in every direction'. It got me thinking about running and just how many possibilities there are, how many directions my running has taken, and how many more directions and possibilities there may be yet to discover.

From the first tentative C25K steps I took with the eldest and youngest of my three kids (trying to hide in a local field), to the wonderful sunny 15k I did with my (almost 27 yar old) middle child on Saturday, out in the open along the Thames and Jubilee rivers, exploring places we'd taken him when he was much younger.

The different trips I've made for parkrun and for races ... in different towns, cities and even countries! The uphills and downhills. The virtual medals and the real event medals, the one offs and the series. Trips to running shops, doctors and physios. The increasing distances and decreasing times. The highs and lows, not to mention the physical tumbles! The challenges and struggles to overcome. The people I've talked to, the people I've met, the people I've run with, the people who have supported and encouraged me.

So many directions. So many possibilities. And who knows, the best may still be to come😎

Gibraltar bus company may have nabbed it first, but I think 'possibility in every direction' is a great slogan for running too. Can you think of a better one? Do share your thoughts and ideas 💭

The clock change, increasing daylight hours, blue skies, bright sunshine and increasing temperatures, the buds, the flowers ... everything seems to be screaming possibility right now 🌹🌞

Don't forget the possibility for everyone to take part in our upcoming HU spring 2025 virtual run at the end of April. Details can be found here healthunlocked.com/marathon... Why not sign up now if you've not yet done so?

If you've entered any events in April, please let us know here healthunlocked.com/marathon... so we can send our support the Friday before your race (often just in time as nerves are beginning to build) 🦋🦋🦋

But most of all, this is your weekly chat, so please do let us know how your running is going (or isn't!) in the replies below; exciting or not, we love to hear how things are; sharing our successes and challenges so we can support and inspire each other is the cornerstone of this community.

As we move into April and spring really takes off, we hope you all have a great week, whatever plans you have. Enjoy the sunshine 🌞

From your team,  Irishprincess ,  Beachcomber66 and me xxx

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To tell us about your events in April, let us know here:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

For a nice new shiny badge for a milestone run:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[RunWillie Marathon]

Hi linda9389 & other VRB's,

I love that about running. There are so many possibilities. I'm enjoying my long slow plods at the moment. I haven't run a fast 5k for ages. I'm on week 4 of Hal Higdons marathon plan & the long run was 11 miles. It was above 30 again today & I managed to drop a gel plodding along, so I called it a day at 10 miles. I'll add on the mile to tomorrow's run.

Happy week everyone! ❤️

Today's run 🥵

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

That's a long old run in those temperatures; I think you made a very good call. Such a beautiful view to run with though ... an endless view 😊

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

The extra mile today was also a killer but I got it done 💪 The ocean view is breathtaking. Always thankful that I get to run here. 🥰

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

The mind games that go with the last 'extra bit' can be brutal!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Just 12C up here today; plenty warm enough for a long run. 30C is just ridiculous! I guess that you get used to it to some degree, but then there is humidity too. There are some benefits to living here oop north.🙂

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

It has been the hottest March in 40 years in Perth. It's not normally so hot. I had x5 25km on my annual goal. I'm now thinking x 2 🤣

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

I didn’t have any 25ks in my mind this year; but I have now run one! The magic of VRBs at work 🙂. Things should be cooling down over there soon surely?

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Well done Beachcomber66 25km is a very long way. Are you sure you don't have a marathon in you?😜

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

I am absolutely certain RW…..Mrs BC would take out a restraining order!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

She'd have to catch you first ...

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

😂no chance……

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Hmm, I don't see you giving in so easily RW 🤔

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

You're right. Still got plenty of time. 🥰

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

,Hi Linda. Long run day today and I have been well behaved (I think!). I did manage a PB, but only by running my longest distance ever, rather than by upping the pace. After lots of internal debate, I thought that 23.2k should be the target. That will leave just an extra 3k to find on 27 April. I tried really hard to run slowly; for the last couple of k I didn’t have much choice!🥵 But, I made it at very steady 7:12 average pace with average heart rate at 134bpm. I know that this is two HM’s plus a bit in successive weeks, but I wanted to leave time to have any niggles ironed out before 27th April. I will ease off on distance now until the big day; maybe I will slip in a 10 miler.

I might just do this 🤞🤞! So glad that I decided to get on the bus in 2018 🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Excellent! That was an epic run to get under your belt today. Well done! Might just do it? you've absolutely got this! 26.2 here you come.

Yep, you chose the right bus for sure BC 🌞

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

and the right fellow passengers too 🙂

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Captain Sensible in charge and it paid off. Well done you! Great run 🙌👏🏻

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

😂 thanks Sandie; there was really no choice. If I had run any faster I would have had to stop. Hopefully the 26.2k will go the same way. The slower pace gave me a chance of seeing all the birds and other creatures which have returned to the forest. I love this time of year.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

Very well done Beachcomber66 ; your longest run ever! I’m sure you’ll get to HM by the end of the month.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5. My specialist subject; chasing rainbows 🌈🦄🙂

[IRunning Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Great stuff, you’ve really been putting the shifts in recently, sounds like its paying dividends, looking good for the 27th 👍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to IRunning]

I think that I need to make this my last quest! As I was running the last 2k, this daft brain of mine was thinking “”I wonder if 20 miles would be possible”……that would be crazy! If I get to MM that must be enough!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

That's a healthy brain, not a daft one!

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

We have been speaking to our consultant psychiatrist friend this morning. He was less encouraging! He does have a conflict of interest as he knows that Mrs BC worries about my pushing things too far. In contrast, I feel as though I could run another HM today! Probably an illusion which I won’t test! 🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Woo hoo BC!!! 🥳🥳 Fabulous job, well done to you, that’s brilliant. You deserve it as you have been meticulous with your running and have really listened to your body. I’m so pleased for you 😍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

🙂 thanks IP. All I have to do is stay fit and find another 3k on the 27th……🤞

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

You will 👍

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

It suddenly seems a long time to the 27th. Peaked too early!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Me too! Even earlier than you 🙈

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Amateurs 😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

... over enthusiastic amateurs at best 😍

[Mormor1 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Me too, but I'm still on a high that I did it. Maybe I'll manage it again on 27th or during that week, or I might just opt for the 10 miles....it's a win win whatever!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Mormor1]

Another MM would be fab; 10 miles would be fab!You're so right. There are wins in every direction 😊

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

No running for me at the moment but I have climbed many, many steps and walked miles. It's dead nice here! 😎

Florence

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

Oooh, Florence is beautiful ... but yes, lots of climbing. Strength work and cross training a plenty. Great job! Enjoy 😎

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

Haha, yes I'm calling it strength training. Hoping to get out for a little jog tomorrow but Mrs R&P needs a break from my running as much as I do. 😃

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RiceAndPeas]

😍😍😍

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Hi linda9389 and all VRBs! Heading up to London today to see Kenny and his daughter, nearly 1 week post operation and the results are good so far,phew! Will be excited to see how they are doing!

Had done no runs since last Tuesday so headed out on a reliable but not v exciting 5k route last night,nearly bailed at 3k as wasn't feeling the love,but as I battled my head to complete the 5k I realised time was faster than I thought so tried my best and got a sub 33 mins! 1st since January (and that was in a race!)so felt pleased (and very sweaty!!! 🤪🤣) just love the post run feeling,shower and cuppa !

So no run club tonight and dad duty tomorrow eve and Thurs eve. Went to the 1st of a 4 week Dementia training course yesterday afternoon, think it'll really be helpful.

Should get to parkrun this week, surprise visit but stepson and lift to football training meant last week was scuppered! But did have a beautiful walk back after dropping car to garage on Saturday(see piccy,had to post in comments!) Have a lovely week everyone! Xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Oh Ali, how wonderful that the surgery is behind you at last. I'm sure it will be lovely to see them again Here's to a continued positive recovery.

No wonder you felt like bailing at that pace, bet you're very glad you didn't now 😉

Even just attending a course like that probably helps - a sense of being supported and not alone is enough to give you a boost I'm sure. Hopefully there will be lots of useful practical ideas for you too.

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks linda9389 , currently on the train, should be there in an hr ! Haven't taken the train in years! Had an early walk to the ferry so that stretched the legs after last night! 🤣

Yes I think the course will be good, and shared experience give all kinds of insights xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

... and valuable support.Have a great day today 🥰

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Ps enjoy your hols! You are very well travelled! 😊

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Great news about the operation; a massive weight off everyone’s shoulders. Early days I know, but the outcome sounds really positive.

The Dementia training course sounds really good. Realising that my mother’s reality was just different to ours was a major step in reducing stress. Hope you find time for lots of Spring runs; they are the best I think.

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thankyou Beachcomber66 ! Yes I'm there atm and she seems to be doing well! Yes I think it'll be really helpful, nice bunch of people,some of them coping on their own which must be so hard , I'm very thankful for my siblings and thr carer we have now .

Have a lovely week xxx

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks aliboo70 . After 1 x HM and 1x 23.2k run in eight days I am lining up some shorter runs in the build up to our HU Race on 27th April. I thought that I would spontaneously combust if I ran longer than a HM; so far so good 😂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

That’s such great news about Kenny’s daughter Ali. Such a relief for everyone.

That Dementia Course sounds interesting. Being in contact with others who understand and are going through the same thing is so important.

Happy running to you Ali, hope you're having a good week xxx

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thankyou Irishprincess ! They should be leaving London today and heading to their regular hospital ,still a ferry trip but easier to get to! The course will be really good I reckon, I'm lucky to have support, seems like some there are really coping with it all solo.

No other runs yet this week but maybe tonight xxx

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Pretty scenery!

St George's Down,after a tough climb up!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to aliboo70]

That sky is amazing, and goes on forever 🌞

[IRunning Half Marathon]

Hello all. Hope a great week of running (or resting) awaits you all. That is a great phrase linda9389 , almost Coach Bennett like 😂. I love that, although my runs generally happen in the same area and direction, even a small tweak to a route can make things seem very different and open up those new possibilities, I’ll try and make more of this in the future.

No running for me at the moment, and the frustration levels are pretty high. Recovering from surgery on my leg at the moment, which is keeping me off my feet and I’m generally not doing a great deal. Consultant said 3-4 weeks without any running so hoping I can be back out there at Easter. Have a 10k race end of May so would like to get 4 weeks prep in for that.

In the meantime, living vicariously through other HU VRBs posts and trying not to buy too much new running gear on the internet. It is amazing how much you can spend on a sport that you don’t need much more than a pair of trainers for…….

Happy running.

PS - Watched the Barkley marathon documentary (The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young) and it is both inspiring, hilarious and jaw dropping in equal measure. Hard to find but can be rented on steaming sites.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to IRunning]

Even running in the opposite direction changes a run considerably 🌞I hope your leg is healing well. Time on the IC passes oh so slowly, but once you're back at it it's amazing just how small a blip it becomes. That first run back will be very special 😊 in the meantime ... happy shopping 😍

The Barkley marathons are insane ... and the folk that take them on must be ever so slightly crazy 🤪

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

It seems to be the week of posting our sunny run pictures so here is one from my tapering run this morning. This is also a view from the last few kilometres of the Great South Run. The wind is usually blowing straight at you as you struggle to reach the finish line, but this morning it was blowing in the opposite direction. On the horizon is the Isle of Wight where the lovely aliboo70 lives. I did wave this morning but now I know you were travelling on the mainland. 👋

It was meant to be an easy run, and was an average 8:20 k/min. Strangely, when I look at the zones on my Garmin, easy pace is zone 2. I’m not sure I can run that slowly! I was in Zone 3 with the wind behind me and zone 4 into the 19 mph wind.

Your bus sign certainly reflects the run I did last week, when I had no fixed plan but chose to run up and down the different slopes around Southsea castle and by the bandstand. It was quite liberating, and the route on Strava looked a bit crazy.

Enjoy this lovely weather running beings.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Have you actually set up the zones Dexy? I hsd to adjust max HR on mine for it make any sense at all - my HR is definitely higher than Garmin was allowing for.

Your run last week sounds a bit barmy - i think strava got that right 😎

Just lovely to be running in sunshine, under blue skies ... without the oppressive heat that can come with summer. Enjoy!!!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

Yes I set the max HR based on race pace so that it adjusted the zones, and it did show zone 1 for a walk the other day so it sounds about right. I will have to see if I can run in the HR specified in zone 2, it might look rather strange. 😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I've never stuck at HR work; it sounds to take too long for my level of patience. Many people swear by it, but I found it way too frustrating 🙃

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I only look at my AHR for each run. My long slow runs usually end up with an AHR in the 135 to 139 range. Park Runs 150 plus or minus a bit. If it goes any higher I assume that I have a bug!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

I can understand that Linda. Zone 2 100-116 HR easy is probably a brisk walk for me. I will try it just out of interest.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Yes, that would be a walking pace for me. This is from my last strava run. Seems I have max HR set at 174 in strava.

Strava run stats

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to linda9389]

This is the same run shown in Garmin. However, in Garmin I have slightly different settings. I forget why!!! But both are more realistic for me than having zone 2 top out at 116.

Garmin stats for the same run

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I have never really got my head around Heart Rate Zones. This morning I ran a steady 6.50k with an AHR of 129. My Zone 1 (88-104) showed 1%, Zone 2 (105-122) showed 15% and Zone 3(123-144) showed 82%. Zone 4 is 145-157, and Zone 5 is 157bpm and above. 96% of Monday’s (AHR 134 bpm) long steady run was in Zone 3. Those percentage figures are better than they used to be pre weight loss, but I have no idea whether the zones are set up sensibly. When I started C25k I refused to look at AHR in case I frightened myself! I still try not to think about heart rate too much ……..

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

It’s certainly a mystery BC. I remember my first parkrun with my new Garmin and the HR alarm kept going off. The lovely people on the forum told me to turn it off because the settings were at the age plus whatever the formula is. I then changed my max HR on Garmin to race pace HR. As they said, if you haven’t died you are okay . 😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I realised today that upping my max HR is why I rarely meet my 'optimal' level of anaerobic exercise. The other two are always fine 🤪

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

I occasionally get a Garmin message which says “you seem a bit stressed”. Doesn’t happen on a run morning!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Beachcomber66]

Ha ha. The FR35 isn’t quite so intuitive. 😂

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

TLC from a watch; who would have thought ?

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

😎

Sunny Southsea

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Glorious - another endless blue sky 🌞

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Happy memories! 🙂

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Morning Linda and fellow VRBs. I love this!

I’ve been in Ireland visiting mum for Mothers Day and just got back yesterday. I had two hours sleep the night before and had an early start, so was knackered when I got home, but instead of catching up on some zzzz’s and before I could think too much about it, I went out for a run instead and was rather pleased that it perked me up so much! Then I had a few zzz’s 😂 But it definitely proved the mantra, possibility in every direction!

Had a lovely time in Ireland and managed a couple of runs but back now to gorgeous weather and, hopefully, a longer run at the weekend 🤗 I’ve got a date at the end of April, you know 😊

Have a great week everyone xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Ooh, that does sound exhausting, but the nap of a runner is more satisfying than the nap of an insomniac any day of the week 😍It's just perfect weather for a long run isn't it, enjoy 😊🌞

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

We have friends coming to stay so long run will have to be Sunday 🤗

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Hopefully still sunny by Sunday 😊